Spc. James C. Robinson, a graduate of Monroe High School in Butler County and a married father of two, was killed this weekend when insurgents attacked his base in Afghanistan’s Paktika Province, the Department of Defense reported Monday.

Robinson, 27, was an infantryman supporting Operation Enduring Freedom when he was killed Saturday. His unit was struck by indirect fire by insurgents, according to DoD.

A 2001 graduate of Monroe High School, Robinson was a member of the Hornets soccer team and the school’s science club, Monroe Superintendent Elizabeth Lolli said.

“The Monroe Local School District was deeply saddened to hear of Jim’s death,” Lolli said Monday night.

Although it has been several years since Robinson walked the halls of Monroe High School, Assistant Principal Robert Millisor said he clearly remembers the young man.

“He was very fun-loving, a good man of character,” Millisor recalled. “I remember the group (Robinson’s class) in particular; they were a real close-knit group.”

Millisor, who has a child who recently joined the Marines, expressed his condolences to Robinson’s family, including two siblings who graduated from Monroe two and four years behind their big brother.

“I really respect his courage and dedication and willingness to serve,” Millisor said. “You can’t ask for more than that out of somebody.”

A moment of silence will be observed in Robinson’s honor before kickoff at Friday night’s home football game against Ross High School, Lolli said.

Robinson joined the Army in February 2005 and was assigned in November 2005 to the 1st Battalion, 187th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division, at Fort Campbell, Ky.

He had earned the Bronze Star and Purple Heart, among other military honors and is survived by his wife, Kathryn E. Robinson; daughter, Victoria A. Robinson; and stepdaughter Emily B. Cable, all of Fort Campbell; as well as his mother and father, James R. and Kimberly Robinson of Middletown.

Two of his fellow soldiers in the 101st Airborne Division, Pfc. Chad D. Coleman from Georgia and Pvt. Adam J. Novak of Wisconsin, were also killed over the weekend when their vehicle was struck by an improvised explosive device Friday.